Effect of different layers of aqueous leaf extracts of Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea on biochemical parameters and histology of albino rats

Year 2025, Volume: 42 Issue: 4, 394 - 403, 31.12.2025

Onuabuchi Nnenna Ani , Cosmas Achikanu , Innocent Ujah , Oyiyechukwu Chikelu , Chukwunonso Nsude , Chinenye Enoch Oguazu , Chikezie Ogbu

Abstract

Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea are plants used in herbal medicine. When the leaves are macerated and left to stand, they separate into layers. The number of layers depends on the length of time. To ascertain the safety of these layers when used separately is necessary. This study examined the effects of the supernatant and down-layer of Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea aqueous leaf extracts on biochemical parameters and histology of albino rats. The leaves were macerated using distilled water, sieved, kept to stand and separate into two layers. The extract of Mucuna pruriens separated after 4 hours while Justicia carnea separated after 24 hours. LD50 test was carried out using Lorkes’ method. Twenty-four (24) rats were then grouped into five groups (A-E) of six rats. A was the control, B and C were administered 200 mg/kg of Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea supernatants respectively while D and E were administered 200 mg/kg of Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea down-layer respectively, orally, daily for 4 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. The heart, liver and kidney were processed for histological examination. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in urea levels of groups B and C. Sodium, potassium, and chloride were significantly (p<0.05) altered across groups. Liver enzyme levels remained stable with non-significant changes (p>0.05), while albumin concentrations increased significantly (p<0.05) in group D. Total protein decreased significantly in B and C. Triglyceride levels increased significantly in C, D and E. No significant variations were observed in the antioxidant system. The histological analysis showed normal myocardial fibres in the heart, mild shrinkage of a few glomeruli and congestion in the kidney cortex and some marked histomorphological changes in the liver. These findings concludes that consumption of the supernatant of both plants should be taken with caution due to the observed changes in biochemical parameters and histology.

Keywords

Mucuna pruriens , Justicia carnea , supernatant , down-layer , Aqueous layers , Biochemical parameters , Histology. , Histology.

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